Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line held a press event today on Carnival Celebration in Miami where they announced the names of new cruise ships, future deployment plans, first details on a new class of ships, and the renaming of one of their ports in the Caribbean.

Here is a look at all of the announcements made today by Carnival Cruise Line. Note, we will be adding renderings of all the changes later this evening so stay tuned for that.

New Ship Names

Carnival announced the names of their 4th and 5th Excel class ships that will debut in 2027 and 2028. The ships will be named Carnival Festivale will Carnival Tropicale.

The cruise line also announced that even though they will be Excel class ships, they will not have BOLT, the world’s first cruise ship roller coaster, on the top deck.

Instead, Carnival is building a massive waterpark that will be the most “family friendly waterpark at sea”.  It will also be open at night on several nights of the cruise with colorful lights.

Carnival Festivale will homeport in Port Canaveral with the homeport of Carnival Tropicale being announced at a later time.

Carnival Festivale will have 1,000 connecting cabins, 70% more than the class has now.

Project Ace 

Project Ace will be a new class of Carnival cruise ships that will be in the area of 230,000 gross tons each, the largest ever build by the cruise line. They will carry 8,000 guests with the first one debuting in 2029. Following ships will debut in 2031 and 2033.

Carnival Cruise Line said that they will have more details on this new class at a later date.

Mahogany Bay – Isla Tropicale Roatan

Mahogany Bay, Carnival’s private port in Roatan, will see several changes. A new pool will be built that has a swim up bar.

In addition to a Beach Club that will also be added, Carnival is changing the name of the port later this year to Isla Tropicale Roatan.

Carnival Paradise Collection

Carnival Paradise Collection will be three ports that Carnival is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into to make them the ultimate paradise.

The three ports that make up this collection are Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key, and Isla Tropicale Roatan.

Deployment Changes

When Carnival Festivale debuts in 2027, the cruise line will take Mardi Gras and use the ship for short cruises. Mardi Gras will sail three- and four-night cruises to The Bahamas with a stop in Celebration Key. This will mark the first time that an Excel class ship has offered shorter sailings.

Carnival also announced that they will once again start sailing year-round from Mobile, Alabama as their fleet grows.

Some cruisers are worried that the bag drop-off perk with Carnival will be taken away if cruise passengers keep trying to access their staterooms early.  Just last week Carnival gave a warning for passengers with the perks not to take naps in their cabins, but instead to drop off their bags and leave.

Now in focus is a moment when a family had to be reminded not to access their cabins early, and Carnival’s Brand Ambassador himself gave the polite reminder.  And inevitably there came a little backlash from people saying he was wrong for doing so.

Carnival Cruise Line’s John Heald recently offered his Facebook followers a behind-the-scenes look at embarkation day aboard Carnival Sunrise. His live video, streamed directly from the ship, showcased the preparations underway as the ship geared up for its latest sailing, including the ongoing work to ready passenger state rooms.

During the live broadcast, Heald informed viewers that cabins would not be accessible until the designated time of 1:30 PM, explaining that the crew was diligently cleaning and preparing them.

“So these are the state rooms, they’re not open yet until 1:30,” Heald stated. “The guys are getting them ready and cleaning and everything, but then they’ll be ready. So that’s why that’s on there.”

A candid moment occurred when a family was seen walking towards the cabins, seemingly before the designated time. Heald politely intervened, reminding them of the 1:30 PM access.

“1:30 the cabins are ready, guys. Guys, 1:30 they’ll be ready for you, alright? Okay, no worries. It’s just you can’t go to your cabin at the moment because they’re doing all the cleaning and everything, alright? Just give them a little bit of extra time, otherwise it won’t be ready. You can’t go just yet. I appreciate it, thank you,” he said.

Addressing this interaction with his viewers during the live stream, Heald explained the reason behind his gentle redirection.

“‘Obviously, that was me being polite and telling people,’” he noted. “And we can’t really afford the manpower or person power to have somebody standing on the door for three hours from embarkation till 1:30. So, you know, it’s just a thing where people’s natural right – people want to go to their room, it’s natural. But unless you’re Diamond, Platinum, unless you’re Faster to the Fun, or staying in a suite, please, please, please don’t do that.”

Heald stressed the importance of allowing housekeeping staff the necessary time to ensure rooms are fully prepared for arriving guests, with the goal of a positive first impression.

“We don’t want you to come to your room when it looks like this because first impressions are everything, right? So don’t come to your room because I want the first impression for you to have one where the room is absolutely ready.”

Later, Heald addressed the brief encounter in a written Facebook post, responding to feedback he had received.

“Some of you said that I was wrong to tell the gentleman and his family to come back at 1:30 before going to their cabin,” he wrote. “They ignored that huge sign, perhaps they didn’t see it, but it was at least another hour and a half before the cabin would have been ready.”

Heald firmly stood by his actions, emphasizing that yes, there are actual rules on a cruise ship.

“I’m not going to apologize because I was respectful and I was kind and the state room attendant did not have the cabins ready. They were not Diamond or Platinum, they did not have a suite or Faster to the Fun. So to those who think I should be apologizing to those guests, well, I respectfully don’t feel that I should because them are the rules as they say.”

It’s natural for any cruise passenger to want to check out their cabin as soon as they get on the ship.  First-time cruisers are especially guilty of this, but it’s the veteran cruisers that might need this reminder even more.

Many in the Facebook comment section were encouraging Heald, defending how he addressed the family.   The truth is, the more people walking the halls and going in and out of cabins while the crew is working, the longer it will take to get everything done. 

A cruise passenger with two active toddlers on a cruise ship is asking the internet for help.   After asking, “Where are we supposed to be on the ship to not bother people?”, the parent explained the situation as they currently sail on a two-week cruise.

It’s hard to find a more polarizing topic than “kids on a cruise ship” these days.  The very concept of a kid-free cruise has led to the popularity of Virgin Voyages, a frequent mention when someone asks for help finding a vacation without the familiar sound of shrieks and giggles.

While some don’t mind the energy and excitement children can bring to a voyage, others can get fairly territorial when it comes to seeking a peaceful and quiet sailing.

Major cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line actively cater to families, so it’s no surprise to find children on board.

Time of year plays a major part in how many kids will be on any given sailing too, but if the cruise ship is decked out with water parks, playgrounds, and sports courts, there’s a good chance you’ll be sharing that cruise with some younger ones.

Cruise Parent Desperate for Advice

But one cruise parent with two toddlers on a two-week cruise is crying out for help.  They happen to find themselves on one of the cruise lines that isn’t so notorious for having children on board, even though they are allowed.

Turning to the popular online forum Reddit, under the username “Wanderscape,” the parent openly shared a frustrating experience with other passengers and a deep-seated fear of being seen as a public nuisance.

Read more: How to pack for kids on a cruise without going overboard

The Buffet Blow-Up

The parent started by describing their efforts to be considerate:

“Currently on 2 week cruise with our 2 toddlers, 1.5 and 2.5. They’re decently well behaved bc we’re very strict with them, sleep well at night, but they do act their age and can sometimes refuse to sit down, have meltdowns make noise or do toddler things like laugh and run or randomly decide to sit on the floor.”

They emphasized their active parenting, stating, “We really do try our best to discipline when needed and correct them, and 99% of people thus far seem to be really understanding when they act like toddlers.”

However, things took a turn for the worse during a meal in the buffet. Wanderscape described how, while their little ones were quietly playing in a corner of the outdoor seating area, a couple nearby started making some really unkind and loud remarks.

Things like, “bringing children onto the ship being like travelling with pets” and the very pointed question, “when are those children leaving?” were definitely meant to be overheard.

Despite the toddlers simply “munching on cucumbers behind our table and babbling to each other,” the couple’s annoyance didn’t go away, even after physically moving further away.

This left the worried parent feeling quite anxious. “I THOUGHT we were being mindful of others but this made me think twice,” they confessed, directly asking the Reddit community for guidance:

“Where are we supposed to be on the ship to not bother people? Where do we eat? What would people appreciate that we do when our kids do toddlery things? I’m just terrified at being public enemy number one and scared of seeing these people again.”

Other Cruise Fans Respond with a Range of Reactions

The online cruise community responded with a variety of opinions, showing there’s really no easy answer to this issue.  The post already has attracted over 200 comments and growing.

Support and Solidarity

Many commenters offered immediate support and understanding. One user wrote candidly,

“Coming from someone who really hates little kids, the toddler tolerance is a spectrum. You probably were absolutely doing everything to be mindful of others, and you’re right that toddlers will do toddler things. Some people just have zero tolerance for little kids – and that’s honestly our problem, not yours.”

Another commenter added, “I don’t have kids, never wanted them… However, that’s my issue. OP is at the stage of teaching the kids how to act in public and sounds like they were doing everything right… Kids have never been a problem on a cruise. You know who has been a problem on a cruise? Drunks and entitled people.”

Differing Perspectives

However, some offered another viewpoint that other cruise-goers agreed with. As one user suggested, “It’s possible that parents don’t recognize the noise levels of their children.”

A big part of this, though, is the location of the noise.  A buffet area or lido deck is expected to be a big noisy at times.  But that same volume in a solarium or more relaxing area could be a problem.

Another user mentioned that cruise ships are the perfect environment for meltdowns to happen, stating the following:

“I have always thought though, that cruise ships are not a great environment for infants or toddlers. They are crowded, it is a new and very stimulating environment, meltdowns are going to happen, the parents are likely to be embarrassed, the parents have to be ON constantly, with no rest at all, just doing all those things I mentioned.”

Family Cruising and Shared Respect

Many commenters strongly defended the right of families to cruise and condemned the other couple’s behavior. “Your children have a right to exist in this world. They can fly and they can cruise. You were being mindful of others,” stated one comment.

The discussion started by the parent’s post shows the difficult balance for parents wanting to take a family vacation at sea. And it also reveals that even though a cruise line allows children, it may not have as many things for those kids to do. A cruise line like Holland America or Celebrity Cruises certainly allows children, but you won’t find a bustling water park for them to get out all their energy.

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are catering to multi-generational families, since the ships have something for every age, so don’t expect kids to disappear from these ships any time soon.

For parents, being considerate of fellow travelers, actively managing their children’s behavior, and perhaps choosing cruise lines or areas of the ship that are more family-friendly can help create a more positive experience for everyone.

But even with all of those bases covered, you can guarantee someone won’t be happy and this issue will continue to be a hot topic.

One thing is for sure, a little understanding and consideration for other passengers can go a long way on both sides of this issue.  A cruise is supposed to be a vacation after all.  Leave no room for drama.

In less than a month, the people of Grand Cayman will vote on whether to build a new cruise pier with berthing facilities big enough for large cruise ships.   Cruise passengers are all for it, but local residents have a lot to think about.

This might sound like a simple upgrade, but the construction and development of a cruise dock like this is raising some important questions that could affect your future cruises to Grand Cayman.

Right now, cruise ships visiting the islands have to use tenders, small boats that transfer passengers back and forth from ship to shore.

Even with the coming vote looming, Grand Cayman is already seeing a spike in cruise traffic in 2025.  In fact, early numbers show a 22% increase over last year. 

But 2024 was a slower year for the Cayman Islands with around 750,000 visits.  In contrast, the first two months of 2025 already brough over 310,000 cruise passengers to the islands.

The “Yes” Camp: Easier Access and More Visitors

Those who want an actual pier built argue that it’s essential for the future of cruise tourism in Grand Cayman. They believe that without these facilities, cruise lines might start taking their bigger ships to other islands with modern docking capabilities.

The numbers in 2025 so far do not bear that out, but going forward it is a possibility.

The idea is that more berthing could mean more ships, potentially bringing more tourists and boosting the local economy.

There’s also the idea that a docking facility would make it easier and faster for passengers to disembark and enjoy the islands. This means more time in Grand Cayman and potentially more foot traffic and more revenue.

After all, with Grand Cayman a simple walk from the ship, more passengers who might have stayed on the ship otherwise may decide to enjoy some of the offerings in the Cayman Islands for a while.

The “No” Camp: Needing More Information

Not everyone is on board with a new docking facility though. Some local groups are strongly urging a “no” vote. They raise some serious concerns that cruisers should be aware of:

• Lack of Information: Right now, voters are being asked to say “yes” without a clear plan. Local news outlets reported that there’s no detailed budget, no specific design, and even the exact location of these potential docks isn’t set in stone. This makes it hard to understand the true impact of the project.
• Environmental Worries: Grand Cayman is famous for its beautiful and vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The “no” campaign say it’s not worth the environmental threat. They say that dredging (digging up the seabed) and construction in the harbor could harm these delicate ecosystems and even damage historic shipwrecks – attractions many cruisers come to see.  
• Economic Questions: While more ships could mean more money, some experts are questioning whether building these expensive docks will actually deliver the promised economic benefits. They point out that cruise passenger numbers have been declining in many Caribbean destinations recently, even those with berthing facilities. There’s also a lack of clear data on how many local residents truly depend solely on cruise tourism.

What Does This Mean for Cruisers?

The vote is set to happen in 26 days, and the result has real implications for your future cruise experiences in Grand Cayman.

If the “yes” vote wins out and those new docks get built, future cruise stops in Grand Cayman will probably mean a much smoother and quicker way to ashore. Think no more waiting around for those tender boats – you could just stroll right off the ship and start your island adventure. That extra time could really make a difference in how much you get to see and do.

I know the last time I was in Grand Cayman I was pressed for time, and the extra time it took for tenders to get back to the ship just added to this time crunch.  I would have much rather spent more time at the Cayman Turtle Centre.

But the Cayman Islands are also known for being a great place for divers and snorkelers to enjoy the vibrant marine life.  No one wants to see that damaged.

The main issue right now is information.  We still don’t have concrete figures with where the berthing facilities would be, how much they would cost, or what kind of impact it would have.

And that cost is one that could get passed onto cruise passengers in the form of port fees.  We’ll know more in about 4 weeks.

If you love sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and enjoy a lot of sea days, the cruise line is offering 13 Transatlantic and Transpacific sailings in 2026 with one sailing having 16 days at sea.

Since these cruises are crossing an ocean, they are filled loaded with sea days. However, they also have a few port stops mixed in as well.

Here is a look at these 13 sailings with the ones that have the most sea days listed first.

16 Sea Days

Voyager of the Seas will offer a 25-night cruise from Brisbane, Australia to Seattle, Washington that departs on April 14, 2026. The cruise will have 16 sea days and will also stop in Tahiti and Hawaii.

11 Sea Days

Anthem of the Seas is sailing an 18-night cruise from Sydney to Hawaii on April 14, 2026. The cruise will have 11 sea days and port stops in New Zealand, Tahiti and the French Polynesia.

Liberty of the Seas will reposition from Southampton to Galveston on October 16, 2026. The cruise will have 11 sea days with three stops in Spain and Portugal.

10 Sea Days

Harmony of the Seas will spend 10 days at sea during a 16-night voyage from Galveston to Barcelona that departs on March 16, 2026. The ship will visit The Bahamas and a handful of ports in Spain during the trip.

9 Sea Days

When Liberty of the Seas departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 3, 2026, the cruise will have nine sea days and port stops in Bermuda, Portugal and Spain before arriving in Southampton, England.

Legend of the Seas is sailing a 13-night cruise from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale on October 25, 2026. The cruise will feature nine sea days and three port visits in Spain.

8 Sea Days

Explorer of the Seas will spend eight days at sea during a two-week cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona on April 23, 2026. The ship will also visit a port in the Azores and a couple cities in Spain.

Brilliance of the Seas will also have eight sea days on a 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona on April 26, 2026. The ship will visit Bermuda, the Azores, and several stops in Spain before arriving in Barcelona.

Harmony of the Seas is sailing a 13-night cruise from Barcelona to Port Canaveral on July 26, 2026. The cruise will feature eight sea days and three stops in Spain.

Odyssey of the Seas will reposition from Civitavecchia, Italy to Cape Liberty, New Jersey on October 25, 2026. The cruise will have eight sea days during the 14-night sailing and also visit ports in Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Azores.

Explorer of the Seas will have eight sea days during a cruise that departs from Barcelona on October 31, 2026 and ends in Port Canaveral 13 days later. The cruise will have eight sea days and port visits in Spain, Azores and The Bahamas (Perfect Day at CocoCay).

Brilliance of the Seas will spend eight days at seas during a 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Miami on November 2, 2026. The cruise will also visit Spain, Azores and Bermuda.

6 Sea Days

The 15-night Odyssey of the Seas March 15, 2026 sailing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to Barcelona, Spain will have six sea days. The ship will also visit the Azores, Portugal, Gibraltar, and several ports in Spain.

All cruises listed in this article are currently open for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website or through you preferred travel professional.

While living on a cruise ship might be a dream for many, there are actually several cruise lines that offer cabins you can buy and use as a permanent residence.

Yes, you can actually live on any cruise ship that you want, but it would require booking a cruise on every single voyage on that ship. You also would not be able to decorate the cabin as you would not own it.  A better solution?  Buy a cabin on one of the following cruise lines and explore the world from the comfort of your home.

There are two cruise lines currently in service that offer residential living with one more (Crescent Seas) launching in 2026 and another could launch a few years after.

Current Cruise Lines

The World

The world’s first cruise ship that offered cabins you can buy and live in full time.  There are 135 residences laid out on the 12 decks on the ship. 106 of them are apartments with the rest being studios.

The cruise ship was launched in 2002 and at 644 feet long, the ship’s website actually refers to itself as the largest private yacht in the world and the “most exclusive floating city on the planet”. The residents vote on the ports and itinerary that the ship will visit in the upcoming season.

Many of the apartments aboard the ship have been designed by the cruise ship residents, but they are not cheap. To enjoy this mobile and adventurous lifestyle, it will cost you between $2-15 million. But for a view that is always changing from one spectacular sight to another, and to be able to enjoy stress-free traveling to exotic locations, the families aboard the World have decided that the price is well worth it.

Villa Vie Residences

Villa Vie Residences launched in 2024 and currently has one ship that does continual 3 1/2 year world cruises. They offer not only full ownership of cabins, but also seasonal options and rentals.

Prices for seasonal ownership start at $24,999 with full ownership at $129,999 per cabin.

Their ship Odyssey is scheduled to visit 147 countries and 425 destinations during the first 3.5 year cruise.

You can visit their website at www.villavieresidences.com.

Proposed Future Cruise Lines

Crescent Seas

Crescent Seas is the newest residential cruise line that was announced just a few weeks ago. They are scheduled to have one ship enter service in 2026 with a second vessel being added in late 2027.

They have purchased Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises for their first ship. Once the ship is done sailing with Regent in 2026, it will start sailing with Crescent Seas. Cabins start at $750,000 and go up to $8 million.

In late 2027, the cruise line will be adding a second ship, Insignia, to their fleet. They have purchased the vessel from Oceania Cruises, but it will remain with them until the scheduled cruises have been completed.  Cabins start at $650,000 and go up to $10 million.

Crescent Seas has plans to add three more ships over the next few years for a total of five residential vessels.

You can visit their website at www.crescentseas.com.

Storylines

Storylines has been promising to launch a residential cruise ship since early 2018. They originally had plans to convert an older cruise ship to residential living with condos starting at $155,000 each.

After plans failed to buy an older ship and convert it, they launched plans to build a completely new cruise ship (that can be seen above) that has 530 private residences.

Prices now start at $625,000 and go up to $10 million with 12 different options available.

However, the question remains, will the ship ever be built? It’s been over five years since the new ship was announced and the first piece of steel has yet to be cut on the ship.

The cruise line did release a press release in February 2025 saying that they are now in Phase 2, the Basic Design of the ship. Phase 1 was the Initial Design.

They also stated that they renewed the ship-building contract with the shipyard (Brodosplit). They also no longer have a launch date on their website, at least that I could find. The last expected sail date that they included in a press release was in 2023 when they said it the ship would launch in 2026, which would now be impossible.

You can visit Storylines.com for more information on them.

Can you just get off a cruise ship at a port of call and decide to not come back?  Is this a bad idea or an even worse idea?  We’ll tackle that topic after a passenger thought about trying it.

It’s not entirely uncommon for cruise passengers to miss their ship when visiting a port of call.   Usually, it’s an accident though, and there’s a mad dash down the pier to try to catch the ship before it sails off to the next stop.

Some have made it a veteran cruiser’s rite of passage to watch the “pier runners” that inevitably arrive 5 minutes before “all aboard” time.  The lido deck is usually full of cheerleaders egging them on.

But what if you’re just done with the cruise experience or just want to get off the ship and stay off mid-cruise?

It might be tempting for U.S. travelers if the ship happens to be stopping at another U.S. port.

Well, that’s exactly what a recent Reddit user was asking the cruise community. They were staring down a Princess Cruise itinerary—NYC, Canada, back to NYC, with Boston as the last pit stop—and the question hit them: what if they just… didn’t get back on?

“If we decide we’re ready for the trip to be over, what exactly is the consequence of just getting off the boat in Boston? I think I’d tell someone (guest services, I suppose) but is this a bad idea for some reason?” the social media post asked.

Understanding the PVSA

My first response to this is to say, “please don’t try it”.  And there are a number of reasons why, mainly because of the U.S. ports used in this example.

But it is somewhat of a complicated issue.  The core issue being the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886. This law restricts foreign-flagged ships, the norm for cruise lines, from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports without a stop at a ‘distant foreign port’ outside North America.

So, a trip from New York to Boston with a Canadian stop still violates this rule.

Consequences of Playing Hooky

Attempting to disembark in Boston without permission comes with consequences. First, you should expect to pay a hefty fine which could be as high as $900 to $1,000.  And second, you could even be banned from the cruise line in some cases.

Even medical emergencies where the passenger cannot resume the trip but has to be transported to a hospital are not exempt from this rule.  People in these situations often have to pay a fine as well.

So, add that to the ever-growing list of reasons to have cruise travel insurance no matter what.

Beyond the cost, you’ll encounter customs and immigration issues as it skips standard entry procedures, causing potential delays.

Also, take into account that you’re delaying the entire ship from leaving port as they wait for you and try to pinpoint your location.  So, it’s not very courteous to everyone else on vacation.

It’s Different for Foreign Ports

Disembarking at a foreign port though, unlike a U.S. one, avoids PVSA restrictions altogether.

User u/seoulbro’s experience in Victoria, Canada, demonstrates this: after informing the cruise line, they disembarked with no legal issues, just a routine passport check.

“We let the cruise know a few days in advance, they took our passports, then returned them the next day. No charge, and we just left!” they said.

While the PVSA is irrelevant at foreign ports, passengers still need to notify the cruise line, comply with local immigration rules, and understand any specific policies the cruise line might have regarding disembarkation.

They are also responsible for their own travel arrangements from that foreign port.

A Few Things to Remember

It’s important to know that while the PVSA doesn’t apply at foreign ports, cruise lines still have their own policies regarding disembarkation. Passengers should always:

• Notify the Cruise Line: Even when leaving at a foreign port, it’s essential to inform the cruise line in advance. This allows them to update passenger manifests and coordinate with local authorities if necessary. Some cruise lines have special forms to fill out if you want to get off early.
• Comply with Local Immigration: Passengers must still follow the immigration rules of the foreign country. This may involve having a valid passport, visa, or other necessary documentation.
• Understand Cruise Line Policies: Cruise lines may have their own rules regarding disembarkation, even at foreign ports. These policies may address baggage handling, check-out procedures, and potential fees. Don’t just read random advice on a forum online.  Find out straight from the source.
• Consider Transportation: Passengers leaving at a foreign port are responsible for arranging their own onward travel. It might seem like an obvious point, but you have to get home somehow.

Bottom Line

So, before you decide to skip the ship in a U.S. port, remember the fines, the potential bans, and the disruption you’ll cause. If you’re set on leaving early, a one-way cruise or a foreign port disembarkation might be a better route. And always—always—talk to the cruise line first. They’re the ones who set the rules, after all.

Adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, is adding a new restaurant concept to their newest cruise ship that will debut in September 2025, Brilliant Lady.

Rojo by Razzle Dazzle will be in the place of Razzle Dazzle on Brilliant Lady and it will be a Spanish-inspired restaurant lead by celebrated chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart.

This news follows the success of Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle that recently debuted on sister ship Scarlet Lady.

Rojo’s new menu will feature some of the chef’s favorite recipes including Morcilla’s legendary Oxtail, caramelized onion, mahón cheese and a crostini.

During the day, the restaurant will serve Razzle’s signature brunch with a Spanish-American twist. Dishes include jamon croquettes paired with morning classics like acai bowls, pastries and frittata.

In the evening, it will turn into an elevated dining experience with the menu featuring pintxos, tapas, and platos grandes, all pulling inspiration from Spain’s renowned culinary regions.

In addition to Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant on Virgin cruise ships, will have new pastas, arancini, seafood risotto and roasted monkfish.

Gumbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea, will also have new items that include kimbap rolls, bulgogi fire meat and bo ssam (whole roasted pork butt with oysters and caviar). 

Levi Mezick, Director of Culinary Program Development, gave the following statement:

“Virgin Voyages set out to be a disruptor from day one, and our culinary program – with Michelin-chef designed menus and boundary pushing creativity – was always central to that mission. Spanish cuisine and the communal dining traditions complement our commitment to authentic yet innovative experiences for our Sailors.”

Brilliant Lady will sail her maiden voyage on September 5, 2025. This five-day cruise from New York City will stop in Bermuda for two days.

In October, the ship will reposition to Miami for seven- to 12-night cruises to the Caribbean before heading the West Coast in the spring of 2026. After a handful of cruises from Los Angeles, the ship will offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle.

Brilliant Lady will be the fourth adults-only cruise ship in Virgin Voyages’ fleet.

After being on dozens of cruise ships and always trying to see the shows offered, I’ve seen both sides of the “reservation only” or “show-up-anytime” experiences.  Carnival is one cruise line that does not offer reservations and recently explained why.

The Capacity Challenge

The ability to have room for those who want to see a show is a bigger deal on bigger cruise ships.  Not every passenger can fit in the theater at the same time.  In fact, not even half of the capacity of the cruise ship can usually fit in the main theater.

For instance, Carnival Celebration’s theater can hold a bit over 1,000 guests–maybe 1,200 at the most.  And on any given sailing the ship can have almost 6,000 guests (5,374 at double-capacity).

While, sure, there are usually two shows to accommodate everyone, there’s usually one sitting that is a more popular time than the other.

To make sure it’s a seamless process, some cruise lines have adopted a ticket reservation policy.  You simply use the cruise line’s app to reserve your spot, and you’re good to go.

Carnival’s Reasoning: No-Shows

Carnival Cruise Line was recently asked about this as they currently don’t take reservations for their shows.

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald acknowledged on Facebook that “on some ships the shows do get very full which is why we have increased the number of performances”.

He then asked the fans on social media if a ticket system would help.

But before the cruise blogs and Youtube accounts started announcing a policy change, Heald emphasized that this is not something they are announcing.  It’s merely a discussion.

Reservations slots were actually offered on Carnival when Carnival Dream first started sailing. 

So, why doesn’t Carnival offer reservation tickets and spots for their shows? 

“The main problem was that people would line up for tickets and then not show up for the ummmm, show,” Heald simply put it.

And I’ve seen this happen on other cruise lines as well.  It’s the very reason that even when a show is fully reserved, crew members will advise you to show up for the show anyway.  There are always passengers who either forget or end up doing something else.

Sometimes people get reservations just because they want to avoid FOMO later on as well, so they get the show reserved out of panic.  After all, on a cruise ship you never know what you’ll be doing in the next 10 minutes never mind in the next few hours, right?

Heald then asked for comments on the Facebook post to see how people would feel about ticket reservations.

Heald posted this poll:

“A. YES, PLEASE PROVIDE TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS

B. YES, PLEASE PROVIDE TICKETS FOR ALL THE SHOWS AND CHARGE A FEW DOLLARS TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE ATTEND

C. NO TICKETS – THANK YOU”

The Fans Have Voted

So, the Carnival crowd spoke, and they spoke loudly for option C, a clear winner when reading through the comments.

It really underscores how much they appreciate the flexibility of the current system and not being tied down to reservations. It looks like Carnival is prioritizing that freedom based on what their passengers are telling them.

The reservation question is a classic trade-off: guaranteed entry versus the ability to be spontaneous. And right now, Carnival’s passengers are definitely leaning towards the spontaneous side. 

Or maybe they’ve seen the same thing Heald as seen.  People getting reservations only to not show up, causing more of a headache for everyone else.